The University of Salford recently held its annual Kirklees Composers Competition, where talented writers for the medium battled to claim a trio of prestigious awards.

Prizes

Prizes were awarded for the 'Original Composition for Brass Ensemble', 'Arrangement for Brass Band' and 'Original Compositions for Brass Band'.

The University of Salford Brass Band opened the event under Dr Brett Baker by performing the seven works to be featured, whilst they were also delighted to be joined for the event by the Manger Folkehøgskule Band from near Bergen in Norway.

They presented a short concert conducted by Henning Anundsen as well as performing the works from the Ensemble category of the Composition Competition under Grethe Tonheim.

Outstanding

The overall standard of works presented this year was outstanding, with all the entrants, including those that did not reach the final, praised by the adjudication panel of Visiting Professor Paul Popiel, from the University of Kansas, Tom Davoren, Dr Dan Price and Graham Horsfield.

The winner of the Ensemble Prize performed by Manger Folkschule was 'Secret of the North' by final year student James Atkins, with the 'Arrangement' accolade taken by 'As the Deer' arranged by Phil Boardman. The 'Original Composition' award went to Harry Lilley for his work, 'Lilleywhites'.

We were delighted at the response as well as the quality of the works presented this year in each category. It was a very difficult task to select the winnersUniversity of Salford

Difficult task

A spokesperson told 4BR: "We were delighted at the response as well as the quality of the works presented this year in each category. It was a very difficult task to select the winners.

The prize winners now gain the opportunity to have their works published by Kirklees Music, and our thanks go to Graham Horsfield of Kirklees Music, Manger Folkehøgskule Band and staff, and to our panel of judges for their expertise and feedback to the students involved."

Original Composition:

March: The Lilleywhites — Harry Lilley (Winner)
The Lost Ship — Ali Harrison (Runner Up)
Deadline — Charlotte Graham (Highly Commended)
Battle of Hardhome — Chris Hall (Highly Commended)

Arrangement:

As the Deer — arr. Phil Boardman (Winner)
Eleanor Rigby — arr. Charlotte Graham (Runner Up)

Ensemble:

Secret of the North — James Atkins (Winner)